JANET D' JANITOR

Episode 7 - The Top Floor

"Make sure you call the head of HR and have her prepare a letter for the young lady. She has secured a space for herself on the top floor as the administrative assistant. She will be providing administrative support for you and other executives. Ensure you bring her up to speed." Otunba ends the call.

"Yes, sir. I will do that immediately." Tunde calls the head of HR. "Hello, Mrs. Johnson, How are you doing today? Otunba has just moved Janet up the ladder. He wants you to prepare a letter for her by morning as the administrative assistant."

On the other end, Mrs. Johnson sorts for clarification. "Which Janet?" "Janet D' Janitor!" Tunde responded, "Okay, no problems; I will get on it.”

Tunde ended the call and turned to Janet, who could not hold her excitement. "Congratulations AA. Welcome on board." "AA?" "Yes, short for Administrative Assistant. Technically, you will be my assistant. Providing support for me and other executives. This role comes with a lot of responsibility, but I believe that you are up to it. Never forget; I will be with you every step of the way."

"Thank you, EA. I have prepared for this." Janet chuckles. "EA? " "Yes, boss, executive assistant." They both smiled.

Janet couldn't wait to share the news with Alex and Mrs. Mary, who have been her rocks at the bottom. She left Tunde's office excited, with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Janet waited for this opportunity for a long time. “Today is indeed a blessed day." She said to herself

But as she walked out of the building, she felt something strange. "This looks too good and too true. Am I missing something? Could Tunde be hiding something? Why did Otunba offer me this position? Am I overthinking? Well, let me just enjoy the moment and clear my head."

She pushed the thought aside and focused on the excitement of her role.

Janet calls Alex.

As Janet entered her apartment, she took off her shoes, hung them on the shoe rack, and dropped her bag on her table. She quickly pulls out her phone from her handbag and dials Alex…

"Hey Alex, what's up? How was your day? I will not be wearing the janitor’s uniform, again. I’ve been moved up." Alex's voice was curious. "Moved up, how, when, and where?"

Janet laughs. "As the new administrative assistant. I will be working with the executive assistant, Tunde, and other executives, providing support for them. Otunba himself promoted me today. Tomorrow, I will pick up the promotion later from HR. I'm so excited."

"Wow! That’s good news. I'm so proud of you, Janet. I am happy for you. I can't wait to hear the details tomorrow. Congratulations, my friend. You have moved up. Please remember me in your paradise."

"Sure, I will never forget you. You were my rock at the bottom. This is not just a win for me. It's a win for us," Janet assured Alex. "I trust you. See you tomorrow, bright and early. "Alex drops the call.

Janet puts the phone down and takes off her slim-fit Janitor uniform. “You have done your job. Thank you for being a strong ally. I will miss you.” As she fixed her gaze on the beautiful uniform.

She takes the uniform to the bathroom and drops it inside the laundry basket, as she takes a quick shower. Thereafter, proceeded to the kitchen to grab a quick bite.

As she was eating, her mind went back to the feeling she had when she was leaving the office. It was as though Tunde and Otunba had something to hide. The seed of doubt is beginning to take root in her.

"Janet, you must trust no one. You must be careful. Keep your head afloat while still in the game." Her thoughts whispered to her.

A visit to Mrs. Mary’s

Just then, thought of sharing the good news with Mrs. Mary took control of her mental world. She pulls up her phone and dials Mrs. Mary. "Good evening, Mrs. Mary!" "Good evening, Janet. How are you doing this lively evening? Is everything ok?" "Everything is fine, ma. Are you home?" Yes dear. Can I come over? I have good news for you. "Sure, I will be waiting."

Janet puts on an easy-to-wear red top and a black jean trouser as she orders a ride via Uber.

Mrs. Mary couldn't wait to hear the good news. As soon as the cab dropped Janet off, Mrs. Mary heard a car, and rushed out to welcome Janet.

"Now, spill, I'm all ears. "May I atleast come in?" Janet asked... “Janet and formality. Please come on in.” Mrs Mary offered.

"I’ve been promoted to the role of Administrative Assistant." What? That's good news. I'm so thrilled. That means I will only be seeing you occasionally. I am excited to hear this good news. You deserve every bit of this accolade. Janet acknowledges “Thank you for your unwavering support. I wouldn't have come this far without your guidance and support."

“It's my pleasure, Janet. Just ensure you keep your head afloat. Stay in the game, but don't ruffle feathers unnecessarily. I will always be here for you. Whenever you need me, just call." Mrs. Mary counselled as tears dropped from her eyes. Janet wondered what would make her cry. Out of curiosity, she asked, but Mrs. Mary dismissed the thought and assured Janet that she would be fine.

At the HR office...

As Janet stepped into the office, Lucy welcomed her with a smile and led her to Mrs. Johnson's office. The office was warm and friendly. It had an accommodating appeal. On her brown mahogany executive table were photo frames of her family, her name tag, folders neatly arranged on a folder tray, a table calendar, a laptop, and artifacts.

Behind the table was her luxurious chair and a side fridge, which also doubled as the stand for her LaserJet printer. The blinds were slightly open, allowing natural light to come in. The sweet, vanilla fragrance of the room welcomed Janet. Beside the table was a beautiful corner with an executive chair and a small table where she received and interacted with guests and employees alike.

On the wall opposite her chair was a 42" LG TV. Mrs. Johnson, noticing Janet's amazement, smiled as she dropped her pen on the table, causing Janet to snap back to herself. "Good morning, Mrs. Johnson!" Janet greeted. "Good morning, Janet. How are you today? Please use the seat. Congratulations on your promotion! We are so happy for you. "Here is your letter."

Lucy handed the letter over to her with the copy of the acknowledgment. As Janet was about to sign the acknowledgement copy, her phone rang.

“Excuse me, Ma, can I take this? “Sure, go ahead.”

David's urgent voice spoke on the other end... "Janet, Janet, I..." the call ends...